Training Courses
Essentials of Humanitarian Practice (EHP) - AUSTRALIA

RedR Australia’s Essentials of Humanitarian Practice residential training course teaches you everything you need to know about working within the modern humanitarian system and what it takes to respond to an international humanitarian crisis that involves a global response.

On this training course, you will learn the complexity of the international humanitarian relief system and the legal framework for humanitarian assistance. We will introduce you to the characteristics of natural hazards, conflict-induced emergencies, and the requirements for an effective humanitarian response, highlighting some of the dilemmas faced by humanitarians and aid workers.

During the training, you will learn about the various United Nations agencies that respond to disasters and the roles these agencies play in coordinating responses for various sectors such as health, water and sanitation and logistics.

You will discover how international non-government organisations work with these agencies to share information and data, to avoid duplication and ensure humanitarian aid reaches those who need it without causing harm.

We give you the opportunity to put the knowledge you gain into practice and to explore the team skills required to work effectively in the field.

Who is this course for?

The Essentials of Humanitarian Practice course is suitable for people of all backgrounds, skills and levels of humanitarian experience, and is constantly be updated with the information.

Completion of the EHP and HEAT courses are prerequisites for full RedR Roster membership.

If you are considering a career in the humanitarian sector and want to know if it is right for you, this course will give you a greater understanding of what it takes to be a humanitarian.

If you are a technical specialist already in the humanitarian and development sector, in government or work for an NGO, this course will give you a deeper understanding humanitarian foundations, coordination mechanisms and emerging issues and trends.

This course has run for more than 20 years with participants from many backgrounds and stages in their careers. You will have the chance to network with a wide range of different people and learn more from their professional journeys. 

The course is in English and you need to have a reasonable proficiency of the English language.

Find out if this course is right for you. Contact our training team for more information - [email protected] 

12 Feb - 17 Feb 2025
21 May - 26 May 2025
Victorian Emergency Management Institute (VEMI) , Mount Macedon, Victoria, Australia
Address: 601 Mount Macedon Rd, Mount Macedon, VIC 3441

Our Training Team

Our highly experienced trainers deliver a unique and high quality training experience.

Our trainers have extensive experience in complex emergencies and natural disasters in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and the Asia Pacific.

Learning Objectives

Aims and Objectives

The overall aim of the course is to improve the quality and professionalism of humanitarian action by deepening understanding of the modern humanitarian context, fundamentals and practical realities.

Course Objectives

  • A comprehensive overview of issues, systems and practice related to working in disasters and humanitarian emergencies.
  • Increased depth of understanding of the context, history, foundations and new developments in humanitarian practice.
  • An experience-based learning environment in which you can put your own skills and newly acquired knowledge into practice, as well as understand what humanitarian work is really like.

Course Modules

  • The Humanitarian Story: a history of humanitarianism  
  • Diversity, Vulnerability and Capacity
  • Working in Humanitarian Teams
  • Introduction to Radio Usage
  • National Context and Disaster Management
  • International Humanitarianism and Law
  • Coordination Structures and Response Processes
  • Participation and Accountability
  • Cash and Livelihoods
  • Humanitarian Standards
  • Technical Sectors
    • Emergency Shelter
    • Food Security and Nutrition
    • Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergencies (WASH)
    • Protection programming
    • Education in Emergencies
    • Health programming
    • Logistics and Telecommunications
  • Quality Humanitarian Programming
  • Settlement and Site Planning
  • Ethics and Decision Making
  • Information Management and Emergency Needs Assessment
  • Media and Communications
  • Technology and Future Challenges
  • The RedR Australia Roster and Humanitarian Careers

Do you want us to tailor this training for your organisation? Visit our Customised Training page for more information.

Course Fees

Full rate: AUD $4,000
*NGO and Student discount available, email [email protected] for eligibility requirements and registration.

Inclusions: All food, accommodation and training materials for six days and five nights. Travel to and from the venue is not included. 

Course fees are in Australian dollars and can be paid in full via credit card through our secure payment facility. Organisations are able to request to receive an invoice. 

Further instructions regarding course logistics will be provided upon payment of course fees. 

Essential Course Information

This is a six-day, intensive, residential course and includes both indoor and outdoor activities.

Course Timing

Registration takes place from 9 am on the first day of the EHP course. To receive your course certificate you must complete the entire course.

Travel and Accommodation

Please arrange your own travel to and from our training venues. Accommodation is included in the course fee.

Travel insurance is recommended for all applicants and is mandatory for international participants.

Pre-course Learning

It is strongly recommended that you complete the prescribed reading and online survey before course commencement. RedR Australia will send you this information approximately two weeks prior to the course.

Please refer to your course orientation guide, received upon enrollment, for more detailed essential course information.